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More than 300 leaders representing nations from across the Pacific paid tribute to Kiingi Tuuheitia at the Koroneihana celebrations at Turangavai Marae.
The Pacific Leaders Forum (PLF), an alliance of sovereign Pacific organisations and leaders from New Zealand, led the delegation with a variety of traditional gifts and performances symbolising the deep connection between Pacific nations and Maori culture.
King Tupou VI of Tonga and King Tuheitia sit together at Turangawaewae Marae.
photo: Image credit: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
PLF president Teleiai Edwin Puni acknowledged the historic moment and pledged support for the Kotahitanga campaign launched by Kiingi Tuuheitia earlier this year.
“This is huge for Pacific Islanders,” he said.
“Pacific people have lived in New Zealand for more than 70 years and this is the first time we have been invited by King Tuhetia to Turangawawe Island.”
“When we have successful relationships, other successes will follow and harmony will become part of that blend.”
King Tupou VI sits next to Kejituhetia as delegation members exchange gestures of support as Kejituhetia Koronehana celebrates its 18th anniversary. Celebrations began last week with kapa haka, sporting competitions and thousands of people at Ngaruawahia.
The sight of colourful flowers, intricately woven mats, ancient tapa cloths and ‘rimu’ was spectacular along Dawson Road today as people from Te Moana Nui a Kiwa came together for festive occasions in honour of the Maori King’s Koroneihana.
The rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the leaders as they were welcomed at Turangawaewae Marae.
photo: Image credit: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
The event showcased the rich and varied culture of the Pacific, including a soulful Tongan choir and dynamic dance from the Cook Islands.
Showing the connection between the two sides of the Moana River, emphasising the people’s solidarity and support for Māori.
Representatives from the Council of Pacific Chiefs attended the meeting along with former councillor Su’a William Sio and presented a special gift, a carving of Ōtara.
Eleven Pacific nations took part in the celebrations, with each speaker presenting their own gift, explaining the meaning of taonga and singing celebratory songs.
The community of Siosiuso and Rotuma presented a tauga called “Te Fui” which symbolizes the land, culture and values of the Rotuma people.
For us, this gesture is a gift and a respect,” Suso said.
Pakilau, the Tongan leader of Manase Lua in New Zealand, speaks at Turangawaewae Marae.
photo: Image credit: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Pakilau Manase Lua, a proud Tongan, said, “Happy Tonga Language Week.”
“We are here to show support for our Tagatawainua cousins and it is a rare opportunity for Tongans to be here at this festival with our King Tupou VI,” he said.
“In the Pacific we have a lot of influence from China and the US, but New Zealand plays a huge role as the custodian of Moana.
“Today we are giving away a 50-foot tapa cloth called Ngatu Launima.”
Lisa Murgatroyd and Rosina Lava Nawau, both from Rotuman, presented gifts from different islands in Rotuman.
Especially the Tumtum that was given as a gift, which is a symbol of leadership.
“When you become a leader, the chief uses Tumtum, and this voice we give today also represents the king speaking for our people.”
Young people such as award-winning poet and Pacific youth advocate Aigagalefili Fepuleai-Tapuai came to support her father, who spoke on behalf of all Samoans present.
She said attending the event was hugely important for the future of the Pacific.
“Today marks a landmark relationship because many of the problems we face today are intertwined, and so must the solutions and our generation.”
The sun came out as the Tongan Youth Group sang and danced for the crowd at Turangawaewae Marae.
photo: Image credit: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
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